What Are The Different Types Of Yoga Blocks And What Are Their Benefits?

What Are The Different Types Of Yoga Blocks And What Are Their Benefits?Ramya AchantaOctober 6, 2017

Yoga blocks are amazing! Did I say amazing?! Yes, absolutely! These medium-sized rectangular blocks will make your life better unlike the other blocks in life.

We are used to a fast-paced life and constant change and practicing yoga every day can be a daunting task. So, what can you do to make it fun? You pep it up with yoga blocks. Simple!

But, how to do that and where to buy them? If such questions are plaguing you, then don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it all. Just check below.

What Is A Yoga Block?

Yoga blocks are aiding devices. If you are not able to stretch enough or think a little push will make you stretch more, then yoga blocks are your best bet.

Yoga blocks are brick-shaped instruments that improve your alignment while practicing yoga. It is not just for beginners. Even professional yoga trainers use them.

For beginners, yoga blocks make the asanas easier to assume and hold. And, for more experienced practitioners, they help better the poses by aiding to stretch more while protecting them from pulls and injuries.

Yoga blocks support and stabilize your body during yoga practice and make the physically demanding yoga poses a tad bit easier.

Originally conceived and popularized by the legendary yoga guru, B.K.S. Iyengar, yoga blocks are tools that help you express your poses deeper and with better alignment.

They are a gift and choosing the right ones is crucial for great yoga sessions. Learn how to do that below.

How To Choose The Perfect Yoga Block?

When you pick a yoga block, you must keep in mind the size, material, cost, and number. An ideal size for a yoga block is 9 x 4.5 x 3 inches. But, you will find bigger and smaller sizes in the market.

Pick a smaller size one if you have small-sized hands and of relatively flexible. And, if you have large hands with less flexibility, then larger blocks will work best for you.

Initially, wood was used to make yoga blocks, but now you can find them in foam and cork too. Let’s learn more about the materials used to make yoga blocks below.

Types Of Yoga Blocks

Foam Yoga Blocks

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Foam yoga blocks are light and can take in more pressure without getting damaged or deformed in any way. Foam yoga blocks work best for beginners looking for support to do yoga asanas.

They are available in bright neon colors in the market and make for an attractive tool. Foam yoga blocks are excellent for standing and sitting postures and are comfortable to use.

Cork Yoga Blocks

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If you feel, foam yoga blocks do not provide you enough grip; then a better option would be to go for cork yoga blocks. Their price and flexibility fall between the foam and the cork ones.

The suppleness of the cork yoga blocks is decent, and they are a tad heavier than the foam blocks. Cork yoga blocks are available in subtle colors in the market and are aesthetically more pleasing to the eye.

Cork yoga blocks have an excellent finish and are eco-friendly. Their presence in your workout room makes for a soothing effect.

Wood Yoga Blocks

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Wooden yoga blocks are the original and traditional yoga blocks before foam and cork yoga blocks came into place. They are expensive so choose them with care.

Wooden yoga blocks are thick and not too supple which can be an issue so check before you pick a wooden yoga block. The bamboo yoga blocks, in particular, are heavy and carrying them around can get difficult.

Now that you know all about different types of yoga blocks and which one might suit you the best let’s see how you can incorporate them in your yoga poses.

How To Use Yoga Blocks?

Let’s take three commonly practiced yoga poses and check how you can use yoga blocks to assume the pose comfortably or enhance them.

1. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

About The Pose—Paschimottanasana or the Seated Forward Bend is a seemingly simple sitting asana providing an ample stretch. It is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for at least 30 to 60 seconds.

How To Implement Yoga Block—Paschimottanasana requires good flexibility, and as a beginner, you need the help of a yoga block to practice it.

Place a yoga block on the ground and sit on your butt at the edge of it. As a result, your pelvis tilts forward making it easier for you to bend forward. Extend your hands towards your feet.

2. Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

About The Pose—Sethu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose is an asana that looks like a bridge when assumed. It is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning or evening on an empty stomach and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds.

How To Implement Yoga Block—For a better pull in Sethu Bandhasana, place a yoga block between your lower thighs.

The yoga block makes the inner thighs come together aligning the knees and enabling the pelvis lift higher.

3. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

About The Pose—Baddha Konasana or the Butterfly pose resembles a butterfly flapping its wings. It also looks like the stance of a cobbler sitting down to work. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it on an empty stomach and hold it for 1 to 5 minutes.

How To Implement Yoga Block—Using yoga blocks in Baddha Konasana makes it easier for those with tight groins to practice the asana more accurately.

All you have to do is take two blocks and place one each under your knees. It lessens the weight of your legs on the inner thighs helping you practice the asana without stressing the thighs much.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

While selecting a yoga block, keep in mind the size of your hands, the yoga block’s weight and your flexibility and stability. Take the advice of your yoga teacher to figure out the best yoga blocks.

How often do I use yoga blocks during practice?

You can use yoga blocks every day if you feel like it.

Practicing yoga is a beautiful experience. It betters your personality and life like no other. So, you must consider whatever it takes to better your yoga sessions, and one interesting manner you can do is to make use of different kinds of yoga blocks and rock your yoga sessions.